Each Batman needs a Robin.
Every Lance Franklin needs his Jarryd Roughead and every Josh J. Kennedy needs his Jack Darling, so who are the best Robins in the AFL today?
The star key forward is one of the most important players on the field for every AFL team. They demand the most attention and can completely turn a game on its head. Their gravity creates opportunity for their key forward counterparts to stand up and deliver out of the spotlight.
The secondary key forward is an unheralded role, and when at their best, can lift teams from a great offensive team to an outright powerhouse. Having an elite complementary forward can produce a formidable pairing with defences forced to divide their attention between both key forwards.
Possessing multiple elite avenues to goal creates an imposing forward line and is why many of the best teams in the competition have a dynamic secondary key forward so we've ranked them from most to least impactful to highlight some of the dominant seasons from supporting keys and some of the underwhelming seasons in 2026.
11Oscar Allen
Main key forward: Logan Morris
It's been a slow start for Oscar Allen in his short time at the Lions, playing just seven matches before sustaining a foot injury sidelining him until mid-July. However for Brisbane, Allen proved his worth kicking 12 goals in seven games as he worked his way into the season.
Allen hasn't been at his best for a number of years, but his defensive attention inside 50 was crucial allowing Logan Morris to play some of his best football. Allen will be a major factor in the Lions premiership aspirations this year.
